Promotes healthy blood vessels

The development of blood vessel plaque
Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up on the inside of arteries. One of the guilty compounds that contributes to atherosclerosis is a lipoprotein called Lp(a). Lp(a) is similar to LDL "bad" cholesterol, but is even more damaging due to its ability to interfere with the breakup of blood clots.

The vitamin C solution
Lp(a) is closely linked to vitamin C. When blood vessels are damaged, Lp(a) acts to block blood clots and deposit cholesterol, healing the vessel, but potentially causing long-term damage. Vitamin C, on the other hand, keeps blood vessels strong to prevent blood vessel injuries. The amino acids lysine and proline enhance the effects of vitamin C and prevent Lp(a) from binding to blood vessel walls. Proline can block the formation of Lp(a) in the first place.

TLC for blood vessels
Lp(a)'s role appears to be due to the fact that humans are unable to synthesize vitamin C. When levels of the vitamin are optimal, Lp(a)'s beneficial actions are not required and its harmful effects can be avoided. TLC contains a combination of nutrients to keep blood vessels strong and healthy and prevent the development of atherosclerosis.

Many epidemiological studies have linked a higher intake or higher blood levels of vitamin C with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack.

The great vitamin C researcher Dr. Linus Pauling, along with Dr. Matthias Rath, performed a series of key experiments to help explain the protective powers of vitamin C against heart disease, and to provide a theoretical basis for a supplement combination to enhance its effects.

Worse Than Cholesterol
Lp(a) is a lipoprotein which can be even more detrimental to cardiovascular health than the well known "bad cholesterol", low density lipoprotein (LDL). People with Lp(a) levels greater than 10 milligrams per deciliter are at about twice the risk of coronary heart disease as people with lower levels - and if total cholesterol and LDL are also high, the risk can increase fivefold.

At the molecular level, Lp(a) looks a lot like LDL, except that it contains an additional large protein known as apolipoprotein (a) [apo(a)], which has a close structural resemblance to an enzyme which helps the body to break up blood clots. Because of this structure, Lp(a) interferes with the breakup of blood clots, which can trigger a heart attack or contribute to atherosclerotic plaques.

So what is a potential killer doing lurking in your body? It appears that Lp(a) is involved in the body's response to injury to the blood vessel wall. Lp(a) binds to the scab material on the wounded blood vessel, preventing the digestion of blood clots and rapidly delivering the cholesterol needed to regenerate the cell wall. It's also a sure way to promote atherosclerosis, as the body's defenses against short-term, acute trauma are misdirected into a chronic inflammatory process that leads to heart disease.

A Bad Trade
Lp(a) is found almost exclusively in species which cannot make their own vitamin C. Through its role in collagen synthesis, vitamin C is needed for the maintenance of healthy blood vessels over the long term, while Lp(a) is produced in an effort to repair blood vessels which have suffered short-term damage.
When vitamin C levels are low, blood vessels are more prone to injury and require Lp(a) to help with healing. By keeping blood vessel walls strong, vitamin C could prevent the injuries that cause Lp(a) to bind to the cells of the arterial wall.

Running Interference
The amino acids L-lysine and L-proline enhance the effect of ascorbate. The elastin and collagen that give strength and flexibility to the arterial wall are rich in both of these amino acids. Apo(a), the problematic component of Lp(a), uses its lysine binding site as a "grappling hook" to adhere to the blood vessel wall and to form atherosclerotic plaques. Free L-lysine can tie up the lysine binding site to prevent Lp(a) from binding to blood vessels.
L-proline has an even greater binding affinity for Lp(a), and it appears to have additional Lp(a)-fighting benefits not shared by vitamin C or L-lysine. L- proline interferes with the formation of a complex between Lp(a) and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins which appears to further increase the uptake of Lp(a) by the arteries. As well, recent evidence suggests that L-proline intervenes in the formation of Lp(a).
Many integrative physicians have reported success with combinations of vitamin C and lysine, often along with proline and/or other nutraceuticals, in treating people suffering with heart disease.

• Prevents blood vessel damage
• Increases collagen synthesis
• Inhibits atherosclerosis
• Lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease